General Trouble Shooting

Fuel pressure on all bikes should be between 52 and 54 PSI while running. Make sure to rev the bike and watch the gauge. Static testing doesn’t work. The gauge should not bounce either.

Spark plug… Yes, just because you put one in last week doesn’t mean it is good.

Bad fuel… Yes, most ethanol-free gas is garbage. Buy your fuel from a company who makes gas, i.e. Shell, Chevron, Exxon.

If your gas station is proud of their foot-long sandwiches and cigarette selection, don’t buy fuel there!

Try to buy at least 93 octane. I know some of you on the West Coast have only 91 as the highest, it is fine.

Pump gas with ethanol runs great. Ethanol and methanol are some of the most common additives in expensive race fuel. The biggest issue with any fuel is hygroscopic which means retaining water. In fuel tanks, it is a problem. We always treat our fuel with ethanol/water treatments. We normally use K100 or Liquid Performance. (None of these companies are paying me so I have no preference.) I am sure there are others that are good. I do know we have had bad luck with Startron.

Check engine compression on 2 strokes. Some general numbers are:

250/300 TPI 175 -180

250 SX/XC TBI Approx. 210

300 SX/XC TBI Approx. 215

125 SX/XC TBI Approx. 180

150 XCW TBI Approx. 180

250 XCW TBI Approx. 180

300 XCW TBI Approx. 175

Yes, gauges can be off slightly. It’s more about the delta.

Yes, online someone will say you only need 125 PSI to run. Yes, to run, but not properly.

Crank seals go bad. Yes, they can be bad on new bikes. Hans or Frans can be having a bad day while putting your bike together. Yes, new bikes can have issues.

Repack your silencer. Yes, I know you did it last winter but maybe it is time.